GEORGE NEWS - Many people feel that they can protect themselves against Covid-19 (coronavirus) by wearing personal protection equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks as a precaution.
However, the head of the Western Cape Health Department has issued an appeal to the general public of the province to not wear gloves and masks, due to the risks these items pose in spreading the coronavirus if not used properly.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a scarce commodity and should be used appropriately and by the appropriate people. If you are not ill and not in close contact with someone who has coronavirus, you do not need to wear a mask or gloves.
In general, PPE such as masks and gloves are only needed if you are in direct contact with, or caring for a person who is confirmed or suspected to have Covid-19, at home or in a health facility. This is part of infection control.
Scientific evidence proves that by wearing a mask if it is not needed, you may put yourself at higher risk because you fiddle with the mask and then transfer germs from your hands to your face.
Wearing a mask or gloves when going to the supermarket or pharmacy to buy essentials is ineffective, unnecessary, and will not protect you from the coronavirus. In fact, it can spread infection faster.
If you have flu-like symptoms, call the national hotline on 0800 029 999 or the provincial hotline on 021 928 4102.
Read an article by Ilse Schoonraad, WHO maintains that healthy people should not wear masks.
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